Dave LaForge was a 24 year veteran of the FDNY. While he waited to get on to the fire department‚ he drove for North American Van Lines‚ which prepared him for his job‚ his love – driving Ladder 20 from her Lafayette Street fire house in Soho to wherever the call came from.
Dave lived all his life on Staten Island. The ultimate perfectionist and handyman‚ he did extensive home renovations himself and also was on call for his parents and sister when their homes sprung a leak! In fact‚ he was on call for many folks‚ neighbors‚ other family members – Dave was the take-charge‚ know-how guy who cared.
He also had a home in Island Heights‚ New Jersey. He loved the ocean and often made the hour long drive in his second love‚ his black Pontiac Firehawk‚ music blaring. Dave is missed by many. He was the one who barbequed the meat and carved the Thanksgiving turkey‚ the one we called when there was a need‚ the guy with the great grin.
He drove Ladder 20 to the World Trade Towers on September 11 with 6 of his brothers and none returned – heroes all.
Shared from NFFFF